Dr. Bob Frederick Sport Leadership Lecture Series
Reflections
“I enjoyed the presentation. I took from the importance of finding your why for whatever you are pursuing (a degree) and being able to answer your own question.I also thought Mitch’s presentation as a whole was insightful and inspiring, as was the idea of keeping values at the foundation of all that you do.”
- Katie Birkmaier
“This presentation really had me feel less stress about graduating and finding a job. Knowing that I just need to be open to every opportunity available to me and to always perform my current job to the best I can makes me not worry as much about my future. Just take life day by day and accept all challenges.”
- Brooke Litalren
Finding Your Path
Mitch Reaves
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
Cal Poly Athletics
San Luis Obispo, CA
About Coach Reaves:
With focus honed toward the development of Cal Poly's guard play and overall team defense, in addition to recruiting assignments, Mitch Reaves is in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Mustang men's basketball program. Promoted to assistant coach in August 2013 following a four-year stint as Cal Poly's director of operations, Reaves' impact was felt immediately with the Mustangs capturing the program's first Big West Conference championship in 2014 and reaching the NCAA Tournament second round.
Defensively, Cal Poly finished 16th among NCAA Division I programs during the 2015-16 season with just 59.3 points allowed per game and – with Reaves on the sidelines – the Mustangs have led the Big West Conference in scoring defense during five of the last six seasons. Overall, the Mustangs ranked 16th nationally last year with just 10.3 turnovers committed per game. Two years ago, Cal Poly finished second nationally with a program record 8.8 turnovers per game and, during the 2013-14 season, the Mustangs were fifth at just 8.9 turnovers per game.
In his former capacity as Cal Poly's director of operations, Reaves coordinated player workouts and recruiting endeavors, in addition to organizing team travel, video exchange, the program's summer camp series and directing the program's student managerial staff.
"Mitch is bright, personable and passionate and an excellent recruiter and coach on the floor," eighth-year Cal Poly head coach Joe Callero said.
Reaves began his career as Seattle University's director of operations during the 2008-09 season. Prior to arriving at Seattle, Reaves served as a team manager with Washington State (2005-08) and as the head manager during his final two seasons. With the Cougars, his duties included organizing the program's recruiting database and coordinating team activities. Reaves attended and helped coordinate operations for Washington State at the 2007 and 2008 NCAA Tournaments. The Cougars reached the Sweet Sixteen in 2008.
Reaves received his bachelor's degree in sports management with a concentration in business administration from Washington State in 2007.
-Bio and Photo courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics